Finasteride

Price range: £11.99 through £27.99

Finasteride is a prescription-only oral medicine for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It reduces DHT levels to improve scalp hair growth or urinary symptoms. Packaging and branding may differ from image shown.

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Type of medicine

Medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss by reducing hair thinning and promoting regrowth.

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Active Ingredient

Finasteride – a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.

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Effective within

Results typically appear after 3 to 6 months of daily use.

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Works by

Reduces DHT in the scalp, slowing hair loss and stimulating new growth.

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Side effects

May cause reduced libido, erectile issues, or mood changes in some men.

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Not Suitable For

Not suitable for women or children. Should not be used by men with liver disease.

Finasteride is a prescription-only oral medicine indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. By inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, Finasteride reduces the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and enlarges the prostate. This leads to increased hair growth on the scalp and improvement in urinary symptoms associated with BPH. The medicine is most effective when taken consistently over several months and is suitable for adult men seeking non-surgical management of hair loss or prostate symptoms. Regular medical supervision is important to monitor progress and detect potential side effects.

How It Works

Finasteride blocks the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, lowering DHT levels in the body. This prevents further miniaturisation of scalp hair follicles in male pattern baldness and reduces prostate gland size in BPH, thereby alleviating urinary symptoms and promoting hair regrowth.

Why Choose Finasteride

Finasteride offers a proven, once-daily oral treatment option for men experiencing early hair loss or urinary symptoms due to BPH. It is backed by extensive clinical studies and may help avoid or delay the need for surgical procedures. The tablet form is easy to take and integrates smoothly into daily routines, with most users reporting improved hair retention or symptom control when used as directed.

Important Note

Finasteride must be taken continuously to maintain benefits; stopping treatment will reverse effects over several months. Women and children should not use or handle crushed or broken tablets. Always take Finasteride exactly as prescribed and attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.

Directions

Always follow the instructions in the patient leaflet.

  • Take one Finasteride tablet (usually 1mg for hair loss, 5mg for BPH) by mouth once daily, with or without food, as prescribed.

  • Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or break them.

  • Take at the same time each day for best results.

  • Do not stop taking Finasteride without consulting your doctor.

  • Store in the original packaging below 25°C.

  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Finasteride 1mg or 5mg (as specified)

Excipients: Lactose monohydrate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Pregelatinised maize starch, Sodium starch glycolate, Docusate sodium, Magnesium stearate, Hypromellose, Titanium dioxide.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
Breast tenderness or enlargement

Serious (rare) side effects:
Allergic reactions such as rash or swelling
Depression or mood changes
Testicular pain

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience serious or persistent symptoms.

Warnings

Do not use Finasteride if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to risk of harm to a developing male fetus. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking. Regular medical monitoring is advised during long-term use. Not recommended for use in women or children.

You may start to see results after 3 to 6 months of daily use. Continued use is needed to maintain hair growth.
Any hair regrowth gained is likely to be lost within 9 to 12 months after stopping treatment.
No, Finasteride is for men only. Women—especially if pregnant—should not use or handle crushed tablets.
Some men may experience reduced sex drive, erection issues, or changes in ejaculation, but these effects are usually reversible.
Avoid taking it with other finasteride or dutasteride medicines. Check with a doctor before combining treatments.